Willow Wood Hospice Sahara Desert Trek

Discover the vast beauty of the desert on the most rewarding Saharan trek

Trek

Location:Morocco

Difficulty:
Challenging

A tougher event which is suitable for all abilities and for those after a new adventure! These events require plenty of training as you will be physically tested. You may have some previous experience.

Overview

The Sahara Desert Trek is an incredible expedition across mesmerising landscapes, mirages and golden dunes that immerses you in the beauty and solitude of the desert. You follow the footsteps many Berber tribes have made and still do to this day all while witnessing vistas that take your breath away.

Your trek begins at the village of M’Hamid, and you journey through bare fields and palm trees, crossing the dunes of Ait Oumir and L’erg Zaher, the highest in the region. Each day, awake to a golden sunrise and the quiet of the desert that instils a sense of calm as you take in the serene beauty of the desert.

Deep red sand, panoramic views, fiery sunsets, huge campfires and starry skies are just a few of the things that make this Sahara Desert Trek experience truly exceptional. If you are looking for a challenging trek with a beautiful backdrop where you will make friends for life around the campfire, enjoy delicious traditional Moroccan food and step out of your comfort zone, then this is the trip for you!

Share this challenge with friends

Start:

March 2020 - Date TBC

Finish:

March 2020 - Date TBC

Location(s):

Ouarzazate, Morocco

Trip duration:

6 days

Itinerary - 6 days

Day 1

Fly to Ouarzazate

Meet at Willow Wood hospice for our big send off and travel as a group to London to depart for Ouarzazate.

Day 2

After an early wake-up call and our first sight of Morocco in daylight, we depart on our journey to the edge of the desert and the start of our trek. We stop for lunch en-route and buy a traditional headscarf in preparation for the days ahead. On arrival at the village of M'Hamid we load up the camels and start our trek through bare fields and palm trees. Towards late afternoon we will arrive at M'Hamid El Rhozlane, which will play host to our camp for the night.
Approx. 3 hours trekking

Day 3

We wake to sunrise and stillness in the desert air. After a hearty breakfast we set off past the cliffs of the southern Drâa towards the first dunes of Ait Oumir. After stopping to re-fuel at lunch we continue over sand dunes before we reach our camp shaded by Tamarisk trees.
Approx. 6 hours trekking

Day 4

Another day brings new challenges as we trek along the banks of the Drâa and catch our first sight of L'erg Zaher, the highest dunes in this region. Our afternoon focus is to tackle the steep climb of the dune, careful with every step we make in the deep sand until we reach the top with breathtaking views. Our camp for the night is at the foot of these dunes.
Approx. 6 hours trekking

Day 5

We rise early in time to pack up camp for the final time. We leave camp and head towards the dry river bed of the Drâa across which are the Erg Smar dunes where our drivers will meet us. After a short drive to M’hamid we grab some lunch before settling in for our drive back to Ouarzazate. This evening (after a chance to freshen up!) we will enjoy a celebration meal at a local restaurant to toast our desert achievements.
Approx. 3 hours trekking

Depart for London

Dates & Prices

Pricing

Registration Fee

Sponsorship Level

The amount you pledge to raise for your chosen charity

£2,500.00

Self-Funding Price

The amount you pay if you would prefer to cover your tour costs yourself

£1,445.00

FAQ's

Is the trip for me?

Definitely! These trips are all fantastic challenges for anyone wanting to do something amazing for a great cause! There will be lots of like-minded people taking part, all looking for the challenge of a lifetime and of course to meet new friends. Some people come with friends or family but most people come on their own so what are you waiting for? Sign up today for a fantastic experience and the opportunity to make life long friends.

Is there an age restriction?

You need to be 18 years old or older to participant in our overseas trips. If you are under 18, you may still be able to participate but you will need to be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Before anyone under 18 is accepted onto a challenge we would need to have a discussion so you can make an informed decision on the suitability of the challenge. If you call us in the office we can offer this advice.

I've never done anything like this before, what should I expect?

Most people who sign up to this challenge have also never done anything like this before! You’ll be well supported from the minute you sign up right through to the challenge itself but it’s important you come with an open mind. Due to the destinations we travel to, things don’t always run as smoothly as they would at home so a relaxed attitude is the best in these situations.

How fit do I need to be?

You don’t need to be a fitness fanatic to do these challenges. The majority of people who take part in these events will be just like you and will not necessarily have done anything like this before. However to get maximum enjoyment from these challenges training is vital and we will provide you with a detailed training plan tailored to the trip you are going on which we strongly recommend you stick to. We will also be on hand every step of the way to provide training advice.

Will I need vaccinations?

Yes, it’s possible that you will need vaccinations before travelling to Morocco. We would advise you to visit your local travel clinic for the latest advice on what vaccinations are recommended as this changes all the time.

Do I have to have travel insurance to travel?

Yes, everyone is required to have travel insurance in place before they depart for a challenge. We highly recommend you take a policy out as soon as you sign up in case of any unforeseen circumstances that require you to cancel. If you already have an annual policy or cover with your bank you should check you are happy with the level of cover, repatriation is essential. You will need to provide us with your policy number, emergency contact number and the start and expiry date of your insurance.

Will I be able to raise the sponsorship level?

YES! Once you have started you will find that raising the minimum sponsorship is easy and most importantly fun! We will provide you with a breakdown of examples of how to raise the sponsorship money in an enjoyable way and we will, of course, be available every day to help you with more ideas! You are doing something quite simply amazing so make sure you tell everyone you know, and before you know it you will be racing towards your fundraising target!

When do I pay my sponsorship money?

You can start raising funds for your trip as soon as you sign up and we are on hand to help throughout your fundraising journey. The easiest way to do this is by setting up a fundraising page online, you can then share this link with your friends and family. In order to pay the costs of the trip you need to have raised 80% of the sponsorship amount 12 weeks before the departure date. The remaining 20% is due up to four weeks after your return. We’ll be on hand to help you, as will your charity.

Can I just pay to come on the trip without raising sponsorship?

All our events are charity focused however if you would prefer to just pay the tour costs of £975 you can, we would invoice you directly for these costs 14 weeks before. You can make this payment any time up to this date, please just let your event coordinator know. In addition, we would encourage you to fundraise for a charity of your choice but without the target to reach.

Can I extend my trip?

It is possible to extend your stay and travel independently after the main group have headed home. We will advise you of when and how to apply for this once you are signed up. We can only make changes to the date you return, the route must remain the same; all changes are made at the airline’s discretion and subject to availability and a nominal admin fee.

What do I need to bring?

We’ll provide you with a full kit list when you sign up to your challenge. As you will be trekking a good well-worn in pair of boots are essential to get you started!

What will happen to my luggage during trekking days?

Your main luggage will be transported for you each day. You will just need to carry the kit you need for that day including water, sun cream, snacks, camera, waterproofs etc.

Airline Taxes and Fuel Surcharge

All airline taxes and fuel surcharges are included in this trip.

How is my trip protected?

Skyline Events are acting as agents for the tour operator, Skyline Tour Operations Ltd, ATOL license number 10069. Many of the flights and flight-inclusive holidays on this website are financially protected by the ATOL scheme. But ATOL protection does not apply to all holiday and travel services listed on this website. Please ask us to confirm what protection may apply to your booking. If you do not receive an ATOL Certificate then the booking will not be ATOL protected. If you do receive an ATOL Certificate but all the parts of your trip are not listed on it, those parts will not be ATOL protected. Please see our booking conditions for information, or for more information about financial protection and the ATOL Certificate go to:www.atol.org.uk/ATOLCertificate

How do I book my place?

Simply click BOOK NOW to book online today! Places are extremely limited and get snapped up quickly so to avoid disappointment sign up today and don’t miss out!